Who were Native Indian Chiefs and why were they famous? Summary: The Native Indian Chiefs were all famous for their different stands against the encroachment of their tribal lands, the destruction of their culture and way of life and their opposition to the forced relocation of their tribes to Indian territory and reservations.

The following list contains interesting facts, names and pictures the most famous Native Indian Chiefs and details of their tribes. Click the appropriate link for comprehensive facts about each Native Indian Chief.

CanonicusTribe: Narragansett, meaning "(People) of the Small Point"Homeland: Rhode IslandLifespan of Canonicus: c.1565–1647Famous for: Selling land in Rhode Island to Roger Williams and siding with the British during the Pequot War

King HancockTribe: Tuscarora meaning "Hemp Gatherers"Date of Birth: UnknownDate of Death: 1712 - King Hancock was executed by the BritishFamous Battles: Tuscarora War (1711 - 1715). The Tuscarora War was fought in North Carolina

Rain in the FaceTribe: Hunkpapa SiouxLifespan of Rain in the Face: 1835-1905Birth: 1835 near the Cheyenne River in North DakotaDeath: September 15, 1905, Bullhead Station, Standing Rock Reservation Wars: The Sioux Wars (1854 - 1891), Battle of Little Bighorn

Chief GallTribe: SiouxLifespan of Gall: c. 1840 - 1894Birth: c. 1840 Near the Moreau River in South DakotaDate of Death: December 5, 1894 Wakpala, South Dakota Famous Battles: Battle of the Little Bighorn